Planning for the next generation of risk studies

Seventy longitudinal studies of social competence in children conducted over the past 3 decades are critically reviewed in an effort to pinpoint current and potential problems in conducting longitudinal research with samples of children at elevated risk for developing severe forms of psychopathology. The review outlines chronic problems in accurately specifying objectives, choosing adequate and appropriate samples, and selecting maximally useful predictor and outcome measures in this reseach area. A variety of institutional and organizational problems that make risk research difficult to undertake and to carry to completion are also described. A federation of risk projects, which could seek unified funding and coordinate institutional support, is suggested. In addition, new grant review procedures that embody coordination of management efforts between funding and research agencies are recommended as one possible alternative to present practices.